Ep 27. October 27, 2019

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver season 6 episode 27 aired on October 27, 2019, and tackled a wide range of issues. The episode began with a segment on the ongoing protests in Chile, which started due to an increase in public transportation fares but have since turned into a larger movement against inequality and human rights violations. Oliver provided a brief history of Chile's dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet and how the country's economic policies since then have contributed to the current unrest.

Following this, Oliver delved into the topic of "public shaming" and how it has changed with the advent of social media. He discussed the case of a woman who received death threats and lost her job after a video went viral of her calling the police on a black birdwatcher in New York's Central Park. Oliver explored the potential consequences of the public shaming culture, such as the loss of careers and reputations, and questioned whether it is an effective means of punishment.

The next segment focused on the recent developments with Brexit, specifically the deal proposed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his attempts to get it passed through Parliament. Oliver provided an overview of the complicated and highly divisive issue, including the Irish backstop and the potential economic consequences of leaving the European Union. He also criticized Johnson's approach to governance and his blatant disregard for democratic norms.

Moving on, Oliver delved into the world of mobile homes and how they are often exploited by predatory practices. He highlighted the story of a couple who were scammed into buying a substandard mobile home and the legal obstacles they faced in trying to seek justice. Oliver explained how loopholes in consumer protection laws and lax regulations allow mobile home park owners to take advantage of residents.

The final segment of the episode focused on the phenomenon of "dangerous medicines" and how they enter the market. Oliver delved into the process of drug development and how clinical trial data can be manipulated or withheld. He also criticized the revolving door between the pharmaceutical industry and the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates drug approval. Oliver highlighted the devastating consequences of dangerous medications, including the opioid epidemic, and called for greater transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry.

Overall, episode 27 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver covered a wide range of issues, from global protests to predatory practices in the mobile home industry. Oliver provided in-depth analysis and criticism of these issues, drawing attention to often overlooked aspects and calling for increased regulation and accountability.